This is a discussion on Radar Detector within the Interior Mods forums, part of the Tech & Modifying & General Repairs category; Ok so I am curious to see what is the best radar detector out there right now and what exactly ...

Well IMO (and many having differing opinions I'm in the minority here) its to easy to become completely reliant on the detector. It's much better to be more aware for your surroundings and be able to spot cops, or signs of the on your own. I swear I can practically sense cops. Secondly and this is the main point if you get caught with a detector the cop's not going to go easy on you, or give you a break. If you get caught doing something the cops is going to be as harsh as he/she can if you have a detector because it basically says "hey look at me I speed and get away with it".

If you do get one though the V1 is undoubtedly the best.

FORZA FERRARIBLOBEYE SYNDICATE (retired) #13

Originally Posted by Integra96

One day I hope to buy a car that is lubricated exclusively by pure manatee oil.

Not to state the obvious, but a radar detector detects the emissions of the radar gun that cops use to clock your speed. In general the detector will pick up the radar waves before you get close enough for the cop to get a reading, so they do help. The more expensive then get, the more sensitive they tend to be, have better technology, and have better bogus readings prevention (i.e. alot of the cheap ones will go off without a legit radar source).

Some new technology out recently is the the POP detection and instant on. Obviously cops want to fool detectors, so they have come up with technology to do so, POP being one of them. I think it essentially sends out bursts of radar that presumably would be insufficient to set off a detector but would give it an idea of whether a speeder is near and then go into full mode. Somehow the detector manufacturers have figured this out and have new technology out to deal with it. Cops will instant on often too, meaning they see someone who looks like they might be speeding and will wait till you get close before turning on the gun, hence catching you unready.

I've had radar detectors in the past and have found them to be useful. Like Cavallino said, alot of people don't pay attention and use the radar detector as their soul form of knowing a cop is about. They aren't bombproof and there are ways to get you with out them or with things like lasers and such, so you have to keep an eye out too. I do think they offer a good warning for upcoming cops, but you have to be intelligent about it. If for some reason you do get pulled over, make sure you take the detector down and hide it before the cop walks up to your window. Most states where its legal don't carry detector detectors, so they won't know unless they see it.

If you are gonna do it, I recommend spending at least $250 bucks, which will get you into the top level of detectors. They will have better range and more sensitivity.You can spend more and get something like the V1 which is largely seen as the best or among the best, and is upgradable as new technology is invented (its $400 I think). I've also heard good stuff about the Escort Passport 8500 and Beltronics equivalent (same thing, different name) which is between $250 and $330 depending on what color the LEDS are and where you get it. The Valentine V1 is cool because it has two antenas so it is able to tell which direction the source is coming from, but is evidently less sensitive then the Escort.

Last thing to worry about is whether it is legal to have them in your state. There are several states that ban them, and there is such a thing as a radar detector detector (yes, something that detects a radar detector) and they can and will pull you over and confiscate it. Virginia is the only one I know for sure, but I think are others.

Ok, thats enough of a radar tutorial rant me thinks. Radar detectors are good things to have if you speed alot, especially on the highway. Just use them as a supplement to keeping an eye out for cops. THey can still sneak up behind you or any number of other things. Happy hunting and speeding and such.

There is no replacement for simple observation. It has served me well for a long time. Speed traps are often setup in the same places over and over. There is always a motorist who is not paying attention to their surroundings – they are usually the ones who fund the revenue collectors. Pay attention and learn how the revenue collectors monitor speed in your area.

I'm partial to my Valentine 1, but as others have stated observation is a very important tool. No tool alone is great, and they should all be used in conjuntion with each other. It's important to run with a RD even if you're not speeding as it will teach you how to use it to its full potential. There are lots of good forums on the net for RD use, but I really like this one: http://www.radardetector.net/index.php

Besides a RD and observation I use other tools such as government credentials, Veteran LP, and I don't drive crazy stupid. I do, however, speed. I am usually between 15 and 20 MPH over the limit on the insterstate, and I drive it a lot due to work. You also have to know what you're up against in the area. In Ohio, they are crazy in love with Laser. Even though the V1 is the best RD on the market for picking up laser scatter, I never drive more than 15 over the PSL there.

It's all common sense and good quality tools. Don't buy a Cobra. They are one of the crappiest on the market and set off other RDs on a regular basis.

got a beltronics rx-65 ...it is great. Huge range...and it gives a readout of up to 3 signals and their strength on a scale of 1-9.

+1 I have been impressed by mine the huge range really helps pick up the guys using guns or are tucked away on the side of back roads. Like most people say observation works best, but a detector will help save you from the very cleverly hidden cops.

New EnglandF4

Originally Posted by ChrisCJ99

205 whp on a STOCK wrx??? I find that to be a bit hard to believe. My 2006 WRX ran 188 whp with Injen CAI, HKS BOV, HKS Downpipe and HKS carbon ti exhaust... How can a STOCK WRX run 205 whp??? I'd like to see dyno sheets to back that one up...

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